Description

Aloe ferox, Cape Aloe or Bitter Aloe, is a stout arborescent Aloe from South Africa and Lesotho that grows 2-3m with a tall inflorescence of orange-red flowers. The fleshy leaves often have a glaucous tinge and have reddish-brown marginal spines and - particularly when young - also have spines on both leaf surfaces.

Aloe ferox is harvested in South Africa for Cape Bitters, the medicinal leaf exudate that is a powerful colon cleanser and purgative.

Although cold tolerant, Aloe ferox is not frost resistant and any temptation to try to over-winter it outdoors in the UK should be resisted. It can be brought indoors in October to a warm conservatory or bright sunny window ledge until late Spring or over-wintered in a cool glasshouse under fleece.